The latest food and beverage industry news and trend analysis

Mini Melts USA and The Magnum Ice Cream Company have partnered to deploy Magnum-branded vending machines, scaling premium unattended retail across high-traffic US venues for Summer 2026.

Ready has expanded its retail footprint with a nationwide Target launch of its 15g protein bars. Recognised as a 2026 Bain & Company Insurgent Brand, Ready is scaling its functional snack portfolio.

HIPPEAS has launched Protein Crunch, a new pea-based puffed snack delivering 8g of plant protein per serving. Utilising avocado oil and a baked formulation, the range targets the functional salty snack market.

Quaker’s FIFA World Cup 2026 partnership serves as a launchpad for its functional protein products, utilising global sports IP to drive 22g protein innovations into mainstream rituals.

This collaboration fuses two brands to capitalise on "multi-sensory" snacking trends, utilising tactile contrasts and "mashup" innovation to capture the 2026 summer trading window.

Lunchables’ "Snackables" launches productise the shared charcuterie trend, utilising dual-compartment formats and high-affinity inclusions to target the 50% of Americans snacking 2-3 times daily.

Hidden Valley Ranch’s entry into refrigerated snacking leverages its brand equity via a Carl Buddig licensing deal, targeting the 70% of Americans seeking high-protein, zero-prep convenience.

Ocean Spray is transitioning Craisins from a pantry staple to a primary snack standout through sensory-led "fireworks" profiles and single-serve formats targeting the portable snacking market.